6 Water Cycle

University:
Eastern Kentucky University
Course:
GEO 110 | Environmental Geography
Academic year:

2021
Views:

352

Pages:

3
Author:

vrredneck1346hb

6 WATER CYCLE Hydrology Accumulation - a process in which water is collected in various water bodies. Condensation - a process where tiny water droplets are formed as a result of water vapor cooling; Droplets - tiny masses of water. Evaporation - the process in which water vapor is formed as a result of liquid heating up; liquid to gas. Precipitation - any form of water falling down to the Earth’s surface. Evapotranspiration - the combination/result of evaporation from land and transpiration from plants. Transpiration - Water loss from plants, soil and trees through as water gets evaporated. Groundwater - masses of water formed under the Earth’s surface. Hydrologic Cycle - the continuous movement of water, in all forms, on and above Earth's surface. Infiltration - a process in which water is absorbed into surfaces and sub-surfaces through pores and cracks. Permeability - the level of ability of liquid to flow or pass through a given material. Capillary - the movement of water through narrow pathways without any assistance. Runoff - The movement of water on Earth’s surface; causes flooding. Surface Water - masses of water found above Earth’s surface. Alluvial Fan - triangle-shaped deposits of various sediments that are formed by erosion which are of practical and economic importance. Saturated - when something cannot hold any more water; reached the maximum capacity. Dew - the condensation that occurs on the surface when the air is cooled. Relative Humidity - the amount of water vapor in air. Main Steps in the Hydrologic (water) Cycle: 1. Evaporation - When water from the surface turns into vapor, it is returned to the atmosphere in a gaseous state. These water bodies on the surface can include oceans, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, e.g. Evaporation from oceans is 80% and occurs in warmer conditions. 2. Transpiration - another form of evaporation that takes place when water droplets from plants and soil turn into water vapor and is returned to the atmosphere. Takes up 10% of all evaporation. 3. Condensation - The water vapor that is now present in the atmosphere cools down and frames masses of water droplets called clouds. - This takes place at the dew point, when the water in the air is saturated and needs to cool down. 4. Precipitation - The clouds that are formed now hold water droplets and when they are saturated, precipitation occurs. This returns water to on and below Earth’s surface. Precipitation occurs in forms of rain, snow, and hail. 5. Runoff - The water from precipitation is returned to the surface, flows along land and is later collected in various water bodies. 6. Infiltration - Water returned from the atmosphere can also be absorbed by the surface, through pores and cracks. This downward movement of water through soil and rocks causes it to get filtered along the way. This water is later returned to water bodies as well. ☆ This cycle is repeated again and again. Basically, it is a continuous pattern that maintains the movement and collection of water.